Ice & Water Shield, Synthetic Underlayment, and Magnet Sweeps: Why Our Standards Matter
When you hire a roofing contractor, you're trusting them with your home and your family's safety. But not all contractors install to the same standards. Many cut corners to save time and money — using cheaper felt underlayment instead of synthetic, skipping ice and water shield, or leaving nails in your yard. At Hail Shield Exteriors, we hold ourselves to a higher standard on every single job, regardless of which tier you choose.
Ice & Water Shield on Every Install
Ice and water shield is a self-adhesive waterproofing membrane applied to vulnerable roof areas — eaves, valleys, and penetrations — before shingles are installed. Missouri building code requires it at eaves and valleys, but many contractors skip it or only apply it to the bare minimum. We apply ice and water shield on every install, on every tier. It's not an upgrade — it's a standard. This membrane is what prevents water from seeping under your shingles during ice dams, wind-driven rain, and severe storms.
Synthetic Underlayment — Always
Underlayment is the layer between your roof deck and your shingles. Traditional felt underlayment (tar paper) is cheap, tears easily, and absorbs moisture. Synthetic underlayment is stronger, lighter, and far more resistant to water and UV exposure. We use synthetic underlayment on every roof we install — never felt. This is one of the most commonly cut corners in the industry, and it's one of the most impactful decisions for your roof's long-term performance.
Magnet Sweep on Every Job
After a roof replacement, your yard, driveway, and landscaping are full of nails and metal fragments. Most contractors do a quick visual cleanup and leave. We pass a high-powered industrial magnet over your entire property on every job — no exceptions. Our 100% Nail-Free Guarantee means you can walk barefoot in your yard the day we leave. This is especially important for families with children and pets.
20-Year Warranty on Every Job
Every Hail Shield Exteriors installation includes a 20-year workmanship warranty minimum — from our Standard tier all the way up to Ultimate Shield. We stand behind every installation, and if there's ever a workmanship issue, we come back and fix it. Our Ultimate Shield tier upgrades to a lifetime workmanship warranty for homeowners who want permanent peace of mind.